Red Ribbon Week Continues

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Times-Democrat News Staff

PES students wait patiently for the balloon launch, held in conjunction with the annual Red Ribbon Rally Monday. Red Ribbon Week activities continue through Friday at both PES and RES.(TD photo/Tim Blair)

Red Ribbon Week continues at schools across the nation, including Rector and Piggott elementary schools. The annual observance is held each October to draw attention to drug and alcohol abuse, and this year is also focusing on the problem of bullying.

Rector Elementary

The theme for Rector Elementary School this year is "I Elect to be Drug Free" and special observances are being held each day. The activities and contests are coordinated by the GT students at RES, in support of living a drug-free life.

This year the prevailing wind was from the northeast, sending the balloons from the annual launch at PES in the general direction of Rector.(TD photo/Tim Blair)

Monday was "Hillbilly Day" at Rector Elementary, and Tuesday was "Sports Day" as students were asked to dress in support of their favorite team. Today, Wednesday, Oct. 26, is "Wacky Wednesday" as students were encouraged to dress as wacky as possible, Thursday is "Nerd Day" and Friday is "Red Day" as all students and staff are asked to wear red in support of a drug-free life.

The annual rally and parade at RES will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, and will begin in the open lot on the west end of the elementary campus. The community is invited to attend, and show their support for the students.

Students are Rector Elementary are also participating in coloring, poster and essay contests and the winners will be announced on Friday, as well.

Piggott Elementary

This year's theme at Piggott Elementary School is "YOLO, You Only Live Once, Be Drug and Bully Free" and the observance continues throughout the week.

On Monday students were asked to wear red, or wear their drug-free shirts, and the annual rally was held in the afternoon. Near-perfect weather welcomed the crowd, as the school held the rally for the 29th time. Counselor Barbara Baty served as the master of ceremonies, and introduced the dignitaries and featured speaker.

Those on hand included Mayor Jim Poole, Sheriff Terry Miller and two of his deputies, Sgt. Jeremi Wicker of the Piggott PD and Corp. Michael Tompkins of the Arkansas State Police along with two other troopers. The featured speaker was Rondal Richardson, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Piggott.

Members of the Marching Mohawk Band, under the direction of Jeremy Wortham, also performed, along with the peewee and junior high cheerleaders and the fourth grade class members, who sang "Take Me Home, Country Roads" under the direction of Ellen Meadows.

A number of retired PES teachers were also in attendance, including Julia Winberry, Barbie Johnson, Laura French, Kristi Fuller, Joan Gossett and former nurse Diane Cluck.

Following the traditional balloon launch, Pledge of Allegiance and musical performances, the winners of the coloring and essay contest were announced. Mayor Poole handed-out monetary awards to the winners, courtesy of Piggott Community Sharing Hearts.

The overall essay winners were--Trinity Fears of Mrs. Heather's third grade; Wyatt Koyle of Mrs. Megan's fourth grade; Jessie Henson of Mrs. Tonya's fifth grade and Madison Arenez for Mrs. Veleda's sixth grade. They also had the honor of reading their essays for those gathered.

Today, Wednesday, Oct. 26, is crazy sock and pajama day at PES, and Thursday is mis-matched day, as students and staff are encouraged to dress in their favorite mismatched clothes. Friday is "Say Boo to Drugs and Bullys Day" and everyone is welcome to wear their Halloween costume--although masks are not allowed.

PES students are also participating in a hygiene drive throughout the week, and are reminded all items are to be turned-in by noon on Friday. Items being collected include deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and other such items. The class collecting the most items by noon on Friday will be treated to a party.

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